Red-legged Seriema Bird Details
Cariama cristata
Red-legged Seriema
NA
Carolus Linnaeus, 1766
Cariamiformes (SERIEMA)
Cariamidae
Cariama
Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina.
Appearance :
The Red-legged Seriema is a large bird with a distinctive appearance. It has a reddish bill, a crest on the head, and long legs that are red in color, hence the name. The overall plumage is grayish-brown.
Behaviour :
Red-legged Seriemas are known for their loud vocalizations, which resemble the sound of a barking dog. They are terrestrial birds and are often seen walking or running on the ground.
Habitat :
They inhabit open grasslands, savannas, and dry woodland areas.
Diet :
Their diet primarily consists of small vertebrates such as insects, small mammals, lizards, and occasionally small birds.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
They are native to central and eastern South America, including parts of Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay, and northern Argentina.
Population Size :
Population estimates are not exact.
Life Span :
They can live up to 20 years or more.
Body And Tarsus:
- The Red-legged Seriema has a robust and slender body structure with a prominent crest on its head.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 11-13 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: It has a relatively large head compared to its body size.
- Bill: The bill is stout and slightly curved.
- Bill Length: Measuring around 4-5 cm.
Length :
Typically measures about 75-90 cm from head to tail.
Neck :
Long and slender.
Size :
It is a medium-sized bird, with males generally larger than females.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Long and broad, with a rounded tip.
- Tail Length: Around 25-30 cm.
Weight :
Adults weigh between 1 to 1.5 kg.
Wing :
Broad and rounded wings, suitable for short bursts of flight.
Wing Span :
Approximately 90-110 cm.
Facial Feature :
The Red-legged Seriema has a distinctive bare facial patch around the eye, which is bluish in color.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The nest is a simple structure made of sticks and twigs, often located in trees or shrubs.
- Nest Made Up Of: It is lined with leaves, feathers, and other soft materials to cushion the eggs.
Breeding Season :
Typically occurs during the wet season when food availability is higher.
Nesting Season :
Primarily nests during the breeding season.
Egg Color :
Typically creamy or light brown with darker markings.
Egg Length :
Approximately 6-7 cm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Around 4-5 cm.
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs about 50-70 grams.
Clutch Size :
Usually consists of 2 eggs, sometimes 1 or 3.
No. of Broods :
Generally raises one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
Lasts about 25-30 days, primarily performed by both parents.
Nestling Period :
About 6-8 weeks before fledging.
Vocalization :
Known for its loud and distinctive call, often described as a series of barks or loud screams. This vocalization is used for territorial defense and communication.
Sex Demorphism :
Males typically being slightly larger than females.
Migration Details :
They are non-migratory birds
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